European river cruise

Scenic - The Discoverers’ Trail

31 Day The Discoverers’ Trail

The Discoverers’ Trail

Days: 31

From: Porto to Bordeaux

Countries Visited: Portugal, Spain, France

Code: dlmb

Code_ERC: dlmb-1

( Brochure Price: $ 24,925 pp )

Our Price: $23,679 pp

Itinerary


1. Bem-vindo
Welcome to Portugal. Enjoy a warm welcome reception on board the luxurious Scenic Azure tonight. Meals included: Dinner

2. Porto > Entre-os-Rios
Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa, a neoclassical style building which started construction in 1842 and took over 65 years to complete. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Entre-os-Rios. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Entre-os-Rios
Freechoice Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and is dominated by the impressive Ducal Palace, which dates back to medieval times. It’s a great tour to kickstart your interest in this fascinating region. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta Aveleda. Located in the famous Vino Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile. Enjoy a blissful cruise to Regua where you have the chance to explore the Douro Museum at your leisure. Learn about the culture, history and identity of the people living in this wine growing region of the Douro Valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. Regua
This morning, discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you’ll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. En route, walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal’s first toll bridge, spanning the crystal-clear waters of the Varosa River. Freechoice Tour the elegant town of Lamego, with its many fine Baroque structures such as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and the Lamego museum, both of which you will get the opportunity to visit. Alternatively, enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Regua > Vega de Terron
Enjoy a full day cruising the Douro Valley’s Vinhateiro wine growing region. A World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2,000 years. In fact, its impeccable port wines have been world-famous since at least the 18th century. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Salamanca
Take your time absorbing the architectural splendour of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. From humble beginnings during the Iron Age to darker times, such as economic crises and the War of the Spanish Succession, Salamanca has been shaped over time to become the fascinating beauty it is today. Explore the city on a guided tour before some time at leisure followed by a fabulous ‘Tastes of Spain’ experience. Your lunch today will be accompanied by an energetic Flamenco dance performance. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Pocinho > Pinhão
Enjoy a leisurely cruise to nearby Pocinho for our Côa Valley discovery. Freechoice Visit the award-winning Côa Valley Museum and enjoy a pre-historic workshop. If you’re more adventurous at heart, take a canoeing excursion on the Sabor River. Alternatively, you could join the ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ excursion and visit Casa Painova for a sweet almond workshop and a tasting of their almond, olive and fruit products. Sundowners Enjoy a cocktail on the Sun Deck of Scenic Azure, surrounded by newfound friends as you sail this picturesque stretch of the river towards Pinhão. Tonight, be entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Pinhão
Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear, and wander the quaint streets with locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life – including their local bakery. This is a specially choreographed experience exclusive to Scenic guests. You’ll also visit the church for a special recital, and enjoy wine tasting at the restored manor house of Morgadio da Calçada. Freechoice Top off a truly unforgettable day with a visit to the estate of Quinta Roeda for a tasting of their famous export. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, you could choose a walk through the hillside vineyard for a tasting among the vines. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Pinhão > Porto
Having spent the previous eight days discovering the treasures of the Douro, Varosa and Côa Valleys, enjoy an exclusive Douro Valley Wine Review. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beauty of the region as you cruise back into Porto. Enrich The sheer beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. The facade is a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate wood carvings swathed in gold. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert in this wondrous surrounding. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. Porto
Freechoice Visit the oldest remaining Canning Factory in Porto for an insight into their 100-year-old family business. Alternatively, visit a local corking factory. Or visit Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic district set on the banks of the Douro River, for a tasting of the region’s famed drop in one of the most famous cellars of Porto. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Porto > Lisbon
After breakfast, disembark Scenic Azure and travel to Lisbon, visiting the country’s historic capital of Coimbra en route. Arrive at your hotel, where you can relax before a fabulous dinner, accompanied by a Fado music performance. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

12. Lisbon
Take a morning tour of Lisbon including Jeronimos Monastery and the bakery of Pasteis de Belem, for a taste of the Portuguese favourite Pasteis de Nata. Enjoy lunch in the seaside village of Cascais before an afternoon tour of Sintra and the national monument Palacio Nacional. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

13. Lisbon > Évora
Depart for Setúbal, one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions. Enjoy an orientation tour and time at leisure before continuing to Évora. With its overarching cathedral, Évora stretches across a gently sloping hill that rises out of the expansive Alentejo plain. Protected by an impressive outer wall, its historic centre is a World Heritage-listed cultural treasure, and you’ll have ample opportunity to appreciate it firsthand before heading to your hotel, your base for the next two nights. Meals included: Breakfast

14. Évora
In Esporão today, you’ll tour the exclusive estate of Herdade do Esporão and enjoy a World of Wines workshop with the Chief Sommelier. You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into practice with a Creating Blends class. The session ends with a fabulous long lunch in the Galeria de Esporão Restaurant. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

15. Évora > Seville
The Aracena mountain region straddles the Portuguese and Spanish borders and is famous for its production of Iberian pork. It’s a region with a fascinating history that includes people as diverse as the Celts, Arabs, Portuguese and even the Knights Templar. You’ll visit the little village of Jabugo, famous for its cured jamon, before visiting a renowned local producer for a tasting of their delicious fare. Enjoy a lunch of fine Spanish delicacies before heading to your hotel in Seville. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

16. Seville
Start your day with a city tour of Seville, the wonderful capital of Andalucía. You’ll visit the Alcázar, and see the 15th century cathedral and the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Freechoice Enjoy wine tasting at a local ‘taberna’, or be invited into a local’s home and discover Andalusian traditions from people who live and breathe them. As evening falls, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the romantic Maria Luisa Park. You’ll visit Seville’s famous El Patio Sevillano where you’ll enjoy a tapas dinner while being entranced by the city’s finest Flamenco dance performers. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

17. Seville > Granada
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Ronda, situated in spectacular mountain scenery atop the El Tajo Canyon. Take advantage of a guided tour and a little free time, before your departure for Granada. This evening, dine at the renowned Restaurant El Coso, while enjoying live Tuna folk music before you retire to the comfort of your luxurious hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

18. Granada > Córdoba
Explore Granada, including the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens, before heading for the mountain village of Alfarnatejo where you’ll enjoy a home-hosted lunch with hospitable locals. Arrive at Córdoba in the afternoon, where you’ll be escorted around the most seminal sites, including the Aljama Mosque. Finally, retire to your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

19. Córdoba > Madrid
Enjoy an insightful orientation tour of Toledo, with time to explore, before heading to magnificent Madrid, where you’ll be introduced to extraordinary exhibits in the Prado Museum. From there, you’ll settle in for a luxurious stay at your hotel in Madrid. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow guests at a fabulous farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

20. Madrid
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Freechoice Join an active Flamenco dance workshop at a local tablao, or tour the Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium of Real Madrid. Meals included: Breakfast

21. Madrid > Bordeaux
Fly to Bordeaux where you’ll board the luxurious Scenic Diamond, your home for the next 10 nights of your journey. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

22. Bordeaux > Saint-Émilion
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you cruise into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne. While cruising, perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, a visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You’ll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true trip highlight. Sundowners Celebrate the 2,000-year history of wine by enjoying a glass at the estate of Château de la Rivière. Surrounded by the vines, mingle with newfound friends, explore the spectacular property, or discover the artistic heritage of this region and admire a local artist painting the stunning landscape using paint made from the wine grown on the estate. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

23. Libourne > Pauillac
Freechoice Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-houses and Gothic church. Alternatively, explore the exclusive estate of Château Franc Mayne and taste its Grand Cru Class wine, or view the eclectic city of Bergerac and enjoy a foie gras tasting at a charming local farm. During your afternoon at leisure, opt to enhance your culinary prowess in Scenic Culinaire or simply take in the riverside panoramas while cruising to Pauillac. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

24. Médoc
Freechoice Travel the scenic Médoc wine route and discover why this region is viewed as the world’s leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at the Château Gruaud-Larose estate. Alternatively, cycle through the region to a local château and sample delicious wine produced on the estate. Enrich Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century, the Château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert. Soak in the ambience of this magnificent property as live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

25. Pauillac > Cadillac
Soak in the vistas as you cruise on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond past the picturesque landscapes of the Garonne River into Cadillac, some of the most beautiful scenic cruising in the Bordeaux region. While on board, you may choose to further develop your cooking skills with a lesson in Scenic Culinaire. Tonight, this remarkable space comes to life when fabulous local entertainers perform live in the Panorama Lounge for your exclusive enjoyment. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

26. Cadillac
Freechoice This morning, venture into the Sauternes region for a tasting of the prestigious Château Guiraud dessert wines. Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Class estate of Château Myrat for a tasting. Freechoice This afternoon visit Roquetaillade Castle; founded by Charlemagne, it’s one of the region’s most impressive historic sites, and you’ll tour it with the family that now lives within its walls. Alternatively, visit a truffle farm and sample the delicious regional delicacy, or perhaps enjoy a 12 kilometre roundtrip hike from Cadillac to the village of Loupiac. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

27. Bordeaux
Freechoice Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire afterwards. Or, enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. For the more energetic, cycle the historic regions of Bordeaux. Cross beautiful bridges to witness sites such as the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, before cycling through public gardens back to the luxury of your floating hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure to immerse yourself in the culture of the Bordelais. Enjoy a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies before an illuminations cruise on the Garonne River. A fabulous local soloist will perform live in the Panorama Lounge to round off a magical evening. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

28. Arcachon > Bourg
Situated on the northern tip of Europe’s longest coastal beach, Arcachon is the jewel of France’s western coastline. Freechoice Journey to Arcachon and join a walking tour including a visit to the local Baltard market. Or climb Europe’s largest sand dune and take in the expansive panoramas. Alternatively, stay in Bordeaux and take a local tram to the Cité du Vin museum and enjoy an interactive journey of wine discovery. This afternoon, if you fancy something sweet, stay on board and enjoy a fabulous Mademoiselle de Margaux chocolate and wine-pairing event. Later, take a leisurely cruise into Bourg, perhaps join a masterclass in French cooking in Scenic Culinaire. Tonight enjoy a lively jazz performance on board. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

29. Cognac
Today explore the unique northern shores of the Gironde Estuary. Freechoice Discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle including a visit to the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its production of fine brandy. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin. This afternoon, unwind on the Sun Deck cruising on the Gironde River into the historic port of Blaye. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

30. Blaye > Bordeaux
Discover the remarkable Blaye region, established to protect the Bordeaux region from invasion. Freechoice Stroll through the charming Citadel of Blaye, or take a more active walk throughout the town. Alternatively, join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road which is named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century. Enjoy a cooking class in Scenic Culinaire or simply relax on board as we cruise past beautiful uninhabited islands, bound for Bordeaux. Dine at the Captain’s farewell dinner on board this evening. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

31. Bordeaux
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux Airport or Bordeaux Train Station. Meals included: Breakfast

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